Upcoming Training and Events
We are pleased to offer a variety of trainings and special events throughout the year for child care providers. All training and events are PDR approved.
The following training and events will be hosted by Child Care Aware of West Central Arkansas:
5th Annual Early Childhood STEAM Conference
"Arts on the Water"
Where: National Park College, Hot Springs, AR
When: September 28, 2024, 9:00am to 4:00pm
Keynote: Peter Reynolds, The Dot
Registration: Contact Donny Caudill at 501-760-6586 or at donald.caudill@np.edu.
PDR: 7 approved hours
Cost: Early Bird - $25 per person
Born in Toronto, Canada, Peter H. Reynolds is an accomplished writer, storyteller and illustrator who has been acclaimed around the globe for his best-selling “stories for all ages” about protecting and nurturing the creative spirit, including the three books in his “Creatrilogy” - The Dot, Ish and Sky Color.
Scoring prestigious starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist and School Library Journal, the Dot has now been published in over twenty languages, including Braille, and has won numerous awards, including the Irma S. and James H. Black Honor -- Bank Street College of Education, Oppenheim Platinum Toy Award, and the Christopher Medal. The film version of The Dot (Scholastic/Weston Woods) went on to win the American Library Association's (ALA's) Carnegie Medal of Excellence for the Best Children's Video, while the film version of Ish was named one of ALA's Notable Children's Videos.
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Each of STEAM’s five subjects share a common approach and focus. They require gathering and using evidence to create knowledge or solve problems. STEAM learning happens naturally everyday as children explore, play, and try new things. When young children have the opportunity to investigate the world around them, they learn and experiment with new STEAM skills and theories. Research shows there is a positive relationship between early STEAM experiences and future success in school.
For more information visit Understanding STEAM and how children use it.
5th Annual ACW Dinner & Tribute
Where: First United Methodist Church, Christian Life Center - Cupp Hall, 218 Pratt St, Hot Springs, AR
When: April 15th, 2024, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Keynote: Tracy T. Rowe
Theme: Get Your SHIFT Together
Registration: Contact Donny Caudill at 501-760-6586 or at donald.caudill@np.edu.
PDR: 2 approved hours
Cost: $5.00
Each year we celebrate Arkansas Children's Week by hosting HSECA's Dinner & Tribute for early childhood educators. We feel it is important to recognize and honor all of the hard work and dedication our providers put in to caring for their children.
Registration must be received by April 1, 2024.
Catering - Stubby's BBQ.
Download current and past ACW resource books.
For more information visit Arkansas Children's Week.
Pine Bluff ACW Family Fun Day
Where: Pine Bluff Convention Center
When: April 2024
Theme: TBD
Registration: Contact Jackie Riley at 501-463-1482 or at jacqueline.riley@np.edu.
Cost: Free
Early Childhood Professionals and families are invited to join us for Family Fun Day at the Pine Bluff Convention Center in celebration of Arkansas Children's Week. In our work, we create hands-on experiences daily to engage and enlighten our littlest learners.
For more information visit Everyday Explorers.
International Dot Day
Where: TBD, Hot Springs, AR
When: September 15, 2024
Cost: Free
Join us as we celebrate International Dot Day in September. Location TBD. The event is free and open to families and children of all ages. We will be live streaming Peter H. Reynolds and have an activity that you're sure to enjoy.
Annual Dad's Event
Where: Family Park, Hot Springs, AR
When: April 6, 2024
Entertainment: Family Fishing Derby
Sponsor: TBD
Registration: Contact Donny Caudill at 501-760-6586 or at donald.caudill@np.edu.
Cost: Free
A FREE community event for Father Figures of all ages with the goal of providing resources along with fun, safe & affordable activities/ideas for you to do with your families. There will be door prizes and local vendors ready to talk with you and answer your questions.
For directions or bus routes visit the Transportation Plaza Bus Route map.
Contact us for more information or to register for one of our events. You may also visit our Facebook page or download our app "Child Care Aware WCA". Visit the state Child Care Resource and Referral Map to find the CCR&R that serves your county.
